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Drivin' N Cryin' guitarist, R.E.M. sideman Van Buren Fowler dies

Van Buren Fowler of Athens, lead guitarist for the band Drivin’ N Cryin’ from 1998-1993, who also occasionally played guitar on two R.E.M. tours, has died, according to Drivin’ N Cryin’s website and Facebook page. Fowler, 54 years old, passed away Saturday, according to an obituary from Tom M. Wages Funeral Service.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our brother-in-arms Buren Fowler,” the band noted in a Sunday post on its website. “Words alone cannot express the sense of loss that we all feel. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his dear wife Paula and his family.”

A memorial service is set for 2 p.m. Thursday at the Lawrenceville chapel of Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, 120 Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Additionally, according to the band’s website, a second memorial service is being planned for April 5 at the 40 Watt Club in downtown Athens. Details on that service will be forthcoming, the website notes.